In education, teachers facilitate student learning, often in a school or academy. The objective is typically a course of study, lesson plan, or a practical skill, including learning and thinking skills. The different ways to teach are often referred to as the teacher's pedagogy. When deciding what teaching method to use, a teacher will need to consider students' background knowledge, environment, and their learning goals as well as standardized curricula as determined by the relevant authority. The teacher should also be able to deal with students with different abilities and should also be able to deal with learning disabilities. Many times, teachers will have to do their job outside of the classroom by accompanying students on field trips. They also supervise study halls, help with the organization of school functions, and serve as supervisors for extracurricular activities. Although many people see teaching as a 9 to 3 job most teachers work well outside the school day including weekends. A fifty or sixty hour week is not uncommon with no additional financial compensation. In addition, many teachers purchase items for their students and classroom out of their own wages and (in Canada) receive no tax deduction for these purchases.

Teaching as a profession

Further information: College of Education

Further information: Certified teacher

Teachers are professionals on par with physicians, lawyers, engineers, and CPA's because they are often required to obtain specialized education and professional licensure.

In most cultures, teaching is referred to as a profession. Arguments for this include the respect that is felt for teachers in some cultures, the existence of a body of specialised professional knowledge, and codes of ethics. In Canada some provinces such as Ontario and British Columbia operate a 'College of Teachers' established by legislation to serve and protect the public interest through certifying, governing and enforcing the standards of practice for the teaching profession.

The College's functions include setting out clear standards of practice, providing for the ongoing education of teachers, investigating complaints involving members, conducting hearings into allegations of professional misconduct and taking appropriate disciplinary action and accrediting teacher education programs.

Teachers in publicly funded schools in these provinces must be members in good standing with the College. Many private schools also require their teachers to be College members.

Some teachers are paraprofessional teachers. They assist teachers in the classroom including in Special Education. The requirement is normally a high school diploma, G.E.D., two years of college education, or an associate degree. Some of the parapro positions require experience, especially in Special Ed. They have to be certified by the state in which they plan to work just like other teachers. Most Parapro-educators go back to school for a Bachelor degree and full teacher certification. They pay is very rewarding and competitive for those that have a college degree. With this teaching position if you do not have a degree the pay isn't so rewarding. The job will include benefits, just like other teachers. The job description is about the same. Some parapro-teachers can fill positions as supply teachers. Supply teachers are teachers that fill in for normal teachers. For example, if a female teacher becomes pregnant and needs to become home bound. A supply teacher (paraeducator) can fill in for the rest of the year or as long as the school district needs them to. There are other various positions like Librarian and Guidance Counselor Parapro Education positions available as well. In Parapro Education there is a lot of available positions.

Teaching around the world

There are many similarities and difference among teachers around the world. In almost all countries teachers are educated in a university or college. Generally they must be certified by a government body before they can teach in a school.

The process for becoming a teacher in Canada is somewhat intricate in all provinces. In France the teachers (professeurs) are mainly civil servants, recruited by competitive examination. Currently there are moves on both sides of politics in Australia towards a National Curriculum. India celebrates Teachers day on 5 September, in honour of a thinker and President Dr. Radhakrishnan.